MLB insider expects Shohei Ohtani to sign sooner than you think

If you thought Shohei Ohtani and his representation are going to drag out the free agent process a la Bryce Harper and Manny Machado - think again. At least that's what FanSided's MLB Insider Robert Murray believes.

During the Baseball Insiders Podcast this past week, Murray was asked whether or not Ohtani will sign before the upcoming MLB Winter Meetings. Murray said, "My guess is yes."

The Boston Red Sox have been tied to Ohtani rumors since before the 2023 season ends, so fans in New England might not have to wait too long to find out whether or not the best player in the game will be calling Fenway Park home.

MLB Insider expects Shohei Ohtani to sign before the MLB Winter Meetings

This year's MLB Winter Meetings will be held December 3-6 in Nashville, Tennessee. The Winter Meetings are typically when owners, executives, and agents discuss free agent deals and potential trades. More times than not, the Hot Stove league officially begins at the Winter Meetings.

But Shohei Ohtani could throw a monkey wrench in the whole ordeal and sign ahead of this year's meetings. Ohtani, who has more suitors than just the Boston Red Sox, has the potential to sign a deal worth more than $600-million.

In addition to the Red Sox, the Los Angeles Dodgers and Texas Rangers are rumored to be interested in the slugger. The Chicago Cubs have been tossed about in recent days, and the Seattle Mariners could be a dark horse candidate to land the Japanese superstar.

Wherever he lands, Shohei Ohtani has the potential to be franchise-altering player. Red Sox fans are hoping he chooses Boston, and Ohtani's relationship with New Balance CEO Jim Davis could heavily influence his free agent destination this offseason.